Silent Running: An Art Marvik Mystery

This plodding series launch from Rowson (Shroud of Evil and 10 other DI Andy Horton mysteries) introduces Art Marvik, a former Marine commando and Special Boat Services officer, who’s stuck in a dull consultancy job until two people from his past come to him for help. Ex-Marine Shaun Strathen asks Marvik to locate scientist Ashley Palmer, who has disappeared on the Isle of Wight, Marvik’s home. Navy nurse Charlotte Churley, an old girlfriend of Marvik’s, wants his assistance in proving that imprisoned navy chaplain Terence Blackerman, the father of a wounded Marine she treated, is innocent of the strangulation murder of Esther Shannon 17 years earlier. After Churley goes missing, Det. Supt. Philip Crowder persuades Marvik to investigate Churley’s disappearance—and discover whether Blackerman was framed for Shannon’s murder. Marvik, in turn, asks Strathen to look for a link between Palmer and Churley. Rowson doesn’t generate much momentum, but her damaged hero has enough depth to carry a series. [em](July) [/em]